Statement from the Chief Umpire

Thank you for your patience over the past few weeks. It has been a challenging year; the river and weather have certainly made planning ‘entertaining’.

As many of you have been aware we have been using a system that scores the course to objectively assess the level of risk for the race and once this score reached a certain point it triggered further actions.

One of those actions was the deployment of the enhanced paddler screening system - this does two things: Firstly, it gives an ability to ask slightly subjective questions and get a reasonably objective answer as to how prepared the crews are to take on the challenge and secondly, it also shows where there are potential weaknesses in crews’ preparations. Every crews’ scores are compared with the course score to identify any crews that may not be adequately prepared for the challenge the course will offer. We have contacted individual crews that may have been close to the predicted cut off point to understand their own scoring rationale, and in some cases, advise them of what mitigating actions they could take to raise their score before the race.

I am pleased to announce that the Senior K2 2024 race will be proceeding to Westminster as planned, and the Stages race to TYM and the Juniors to Dreadnought as announced a couple of weeks ago. We have had a few deferrals and a few crew changes, but no crews have been screened out this year - this is thanks in part to mother nature playing ball over the last couple of weeks, but also to you, the crews – the level of your preparation for this year’s event looks fantastic.

The course is still highly challenging and there are some additional obstacles due to the relevant authorities being unable to clear trees etc due to the flows in the run up to Easter. Where possible we will be marking these, however we will not always able to access the obstacle so some will not be marked. I would strongly advise fitting a stronger light on the front of the boat for the section between Newbury and Reading. I am aware the rules state lights should not be overly bright but this is mainly referencing rear facing lights to avoid dazzling other crews.

You will have received an email with ‘Notes to all Paddlers‘ - I would request that you all ensure you have thoroughly read them and shared with your Support Crews. Senior Doubles will also have received ‘Notes for the Tideway’ – there is some key information in this document as well.

Please note that any additional updates and information will be posted to the bulletin board on the DW website https://www.dwrace.co.uk/race-bulletin-board

Please allow plenty of time for check in at Devizes as there may be additional briefings as required.

Owen Peake

DW Chief Umpire